Grub and Windows update

[Bill]

On 1/31/20 12:48 PM, Bill wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I am installing Linux for a friend that has a nasty Windows virus.  
> Rather than pay mucho dollars to have the virus cleaned from her 
> computer, she decided to migrate to Linux instead.  (Good idea!)
>
> The issue is that she wants to dual boot her computer and use Windows 
> for only playing games (not online) and use Linux for everything 
> else.  The problem is Windows update.  Since Grub will replace the 
> Windows boot loader, can Windows update affect the Grub boot loader in 
> any way.  I have dual booted my computers with no problems ( I have no 
> experience with Windows 10)  but hers is Windows 10 and I heard that 
> Windows update can be more intrusive affecting even the BIOS.  How 
> could I disable the network (in Windows only, not Linux) so there is 
> no internet access when she is using Windows?
>
> Another possible issue is UEFI.  Should I disable UEFI in the BIOS?
>
> Bill Stanley
>
WS=> I may have a possible solution that I completely forgot about.  
(This shows how long I have been away from Windows.)

New computers always come with a recovery partition where the computer 
can be restored to its original state (factory install). If I backup all 
the data I might be able to fix the problem. Installed programs will 
have to be reinstalled separately.  There is one big IF.  Can a virus 
corrupt the recovery partition?  In Linux, mounting another partition is 
trivial but can a  Windows virus mount and corrupt the windows recovery 
partition.  (it probably can but is it likely?)

Also, can the recovery partition be altered in such a way that it can be 
used in a virtual machine?  (I don't think so.)  I do plan to dual boot 
Linux but from what I read, it is not going to be as easy as with a 
legacy BIOS install.  It will have to be an UEFI intstall.  Thanks for 
the help.  I will have a lot of work to do.